Columbus County – Voters are turning out in steady numbers as early voting continues ahead of the Nov. 3 election. More than 2,700 voters cast in‑person ballots during the first four days of early voting, with registered Democrats making up nearly half of the turnout, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Through Tuesday, Oct. 20, the county recorded 2,733 accepted in‑person ballots:
- Oct. 15: 720
- Oct. 16: 648
- Oct. 19: 707
- Oct. 20: 658
These totals do not include mail‑in absentee ballots.
Party Breakdown
Of the early voters so far:
- Democrats: 1,266 (46.3%)
- Unaffiliated: 790 (28.9%)
- Republicans: 675 (24.7%)
- Libertarians: 2 (0.1%)
Columbus County had 37,521 registered voters as of Oct. 17. Unaffiliated voters make up the largest share at 37.3%, followed by Republicans at 31.8% and Democrats at 30.6%.
So far, 11% of registered Democrats have voted early in person, compared with 5.7% of Republicans and 5.6% of unaffiliated voters. Party registration does not indicate which candidates voters supported.
Where Voters Are Showing Up
The Columbus County Board of Elections office in Whiteville continues to lead all sites, accounting for 1,370 ballots (50.1%) through Oct. 20. Other locations include:
- Chadbourn Municipal Annex: 427 (15.6%)
- Ransom Event Center, Riegelwood: 413 (15.1%)
- Tabor City Courthouse: 387 (14.2%)
- Fair Bluff Fire & Rescue: 136 (5%)
Turnout remained strong into Oct. 21, with 664 additional ballots cast Tuesday — the second‑slowest day so far, but still steady. Whiteville logged 357 ballots, followed by Tabor City (106), Ransom (88), Chadbourn (87), and Fair Bluff (26). Monday’s turnout reached 925 ballots, one of the busiest days yet.
Statewide Context
North Carolina continues to see heavy early voting statewide, with 670,000 ballots already cast — far ahead of previous midterm cycles. Democrats account for roughly 45% of early votes statewide, Republicans 21%, and unaffiliated voters 34%.
Voting Information
Voters may cast ballots at any of the county’s five early voting sites from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 30, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 3, when voters must report to their assigned precincts. A valid photo ID is required; voters without one may obtain a free ID at the Board of Elections office.
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